Adrienne Thompson

Senior Director of External Impact and Integration

Dr. Adrienne Thompson is a strategic and community-driven leader who believes in the power of partnerships to transform lives. With more than two decades of experience in higher education, she has built a career focused on creating innovative models that connect institutions, students and communities for lasting impact. 

Thompson serves as senior director of external impact and integration at Dallas College, where she leads five teams responsible for outreach strategies, youth initiatives and strategic partnerships. Her work includes cultivating high-level relationships with external organizations, securing funding and resources and facilitating strategic planning sessions that align community needs with college priorities.  

Her leadership philosophy was shaped by mentors at Dallas College, who encouraged her to pursue advanced education and embrace opportunities for growth. She credits her own journey — from Pre-K teacher to senior director — as proof that perseverance and lifelong learning can open doors to extraordinary impact. 

When she’s not driving institutional change, Thompson enjoys creating art, reading, writing and traveling with her husband. She looks forward to inspiring others to build strong partnerships, lead with purpose and embrace the art of strategic facilitation.